Litter



3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. Fflfifff 4. 7159 67 ATTORNEYS R. L. PROPST May 24, 1966 LITTER Filed Nov. 20, 1964 y 1966 R. PROPST 3,252,159

I LITTER Filed Nov. 20, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. F0550 14 pm? ATTORNEYS May 24, 1966 R. PROPST 3,252,169

LITTER Filed Nov. 20, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 .IHIIWIIIIIIIII! BY M? N ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,252,169 LITTER Robert L. Propst, Ann Arbor, Mich, assignor to Herman Miller, Inc., Zeeland, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Filed Nov. 20, 1964, Ser. No. 412,767 24 Claims. '(Cl. -82) This invention relates to an improved litter. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved patient handling and transfer apparatus. This invention is a continuation-in-part of my co-pending United States Patent application Serial No. 291,115, filed June 27, 1963, and now abandoned, and entitled Litter, which application is a continuationdn-part of my co-pending United States Patent application, Serial No. 116,158, filed June 9, 1961, now Patent No. 3,110,912, entitled Litter.

Existing litters exhibit many serious limitations of con siderable concern to hospitals and all those handling injured or sick patients. First of all, there is no universal general transport and transfer device which eliminates the serious defect of requiring numerous and expensive specialized units which practice has shown are rarely in the right place at the right time. Further, the devices presently in existence do not exhibit sufficient comfort and safety for the patient since presently, a patient may be transferred many times in a number of departments while receiving treatment. In addition, apparatus presently in existence is extremely complex and cumbersome, requiring people with a considerable degree of acquaintance with the equipment to operate it. The application referred to above was a first step forward in improved patient handling.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved patient handling and transfer apparatus.

Another object of this invention is to provide such an apparatus which enables a patient to be transported around a hospital and to and froma hospital bed or table in a greatly improved manner.

Another object of this invention is the provision of such an apparatus which provides greatly improved comfort and safety for a patient being thus transported and transferred.

An additional object of this invention is to provide such an apparatus which incorporates a simplified structure being exceptionally positive and sure in operation, also being extremely simple for the user to operate.

An additional object of this invention is to provide such an apparatus which achieves these many functions, yet is much less expensive, replacing both expensive specialty units and inadequate general litters.

A further object of this invention is the provision of such an apparatus including an improved contouring means for assuring exact patient positioning and maximum com-fort for the patient.

A further object of this invention is the provsion of such an apparatus incorporating structure for raising and lowering the feet or head of the person supported thereon.

A further object of this invention is the provision of such an apparatus incorporating a unique net structure for supporting the patient.

A further object of this invention is the provision of such an apparatus incorporating an improved cardiac assist device in combination therewith.

These and other objects of this invention will become obvious to those skilled in the relevant arts upon reading the following specification in conjunction with the accomp anying drawings, wherein:

0 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the patient handling 7 and transfer apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a planview of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, with a portion of the net broken away and the cross member of the litter at the right-hand end removed to better show the invention;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevation View of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, certain parts being omitted for purposes of clarity;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the rail at one end of the frame of thecart shown in-FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the end of the litter shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, partially broken away view taken along the plane VIVI of FIG. 2 illustrating the manner in which the litter is mounted on the cart frame as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6A is a fragmentary exterior end view of the structure shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged end view of the structure taken along the plane VIIVII of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cardiac assist device for use in combination with the apparatus shown in FIG. 1. Y

Briefly, this invention relates to an improved patient handling and transfer apparatus, comprising a litter and a cart, the cart including a frame. First means is provided adjacent the ends of the frame for guiding and supporting the litter. Second means are provided adjacent the ends of the litter for moving along and resting on the first means of the frame. In a more limited aspect, the invention relates to an improved contouring system for the litter, an improved means to raise and lower the ends of the litter on the cart, an improved net structure for the cart and an improved cardiac assist device for use in combination with the apparatus.

Referring more specifically to the drawings, the reference numeral 1 designates the patient handling and transfer apparatus of this invention (FIG. 1). The apparatus 1 includes a litter 2 and a cart 20. The litter 2 comprises a pair of supporting poles 3 having a net 4 detachably secured thereon in the embodiment shown. The net 4 is preferably fabricated of a warp knit nylon or .dacron fabric. It has been found that such a not has unique capabilities in being formable into compound load hearing shapes. This aids in immobilizing a patient in a comfortable manner and prevents deterioration of body areas having damaged tissue or broken bones. Such a net is strong and X-rays may pass therethrough. Further,

such a material withstands washing and sterilization and does not tend to hold moisture. There is equal distribution of weight on such a net with minimum pressure on any body point, allowing the patient to stay on such a surface for a long period of time with no discomfort or fatigue. There is a built-in cushioned, shock mounted effect against bumps and jars, and the material is cool to the body since excess body moisture is dissipated through the net material. This inturn makes the material resistant to contamination although it may be easily removed for laundering, sterilization or replacement. The net 4 is detachably secured to the supporting poles 3 by suitable means such as a zipper (not shown) along each of its sides, it being readily understood that various other detachably securing means could be utilized.

The supporting poles 3 each include an extendible handle section 5 (FIG. 2) for facilitating the carrying of the litter 2 with one person walking at each end thereof. Adjacent each end of the supporting poles 3, a cross supporting member 6 is mounted to extend therebetween (FIGS. 5, 6 and 7). Each supporting member 6 has at least one depending flange and a generally horizontally extending flange. In the preferred form illustrated, the member 6 is a generally inverted V-shaped member. The

Patented May 24, 1966 3 bottoms of the ends 7 of the member 6 slope slightly upwardly as best shown in FIG. 6. A pin 8 extends between the side walls of the member 6 generally midway between its ends, the purpose of which will be more fully explained hereinafter. A U-shaped hook 10 is suitably mounted on the member 6 approximate each of its ends. A pair of straps 11 are secured to one surface of the net 4, the straps 11 spaced from one another at each end of the net and extending beyond the end of the net. The straps 11 are wrapped about the hooks 16 and detachably secured thereto by a suitable means such as a Velcro attachment. Thus, it will be noted that the litter 2 is an integral unit which may be used as a conventional stretcher. It will be further noted that the net 4 may be quickly and simply removed from the supporting poles 3 and the members 6, the purpose of which will be more fully explained hereinafter.

The cart 20 (FIGS. 1-3) in the embodiment shown includes a frame 21 which may be cut from conventional tubing. Multi-directional wheels 22 are mounted at the front and back of the frame 21. An elongated, upstanding transverse member or rail is mounted on a head 24 at each end of the frame 21. Each rail 25 includes a roller 26 rotatably mounted approximate each of its ends extending toward the interior of the frame. A notch 27 is formed in the top of each rail 25 generally midway between itsends. The ends 28 of the rail slope slightly downwardly as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. An appropriate padding 29 is secured to the lower surface of the rail 25 opposite from the rollers 26.

An enlarged ring 30 is secured to the frame 21, the ring 30 including a pair of spaced parallel bars 32 (FIGS. 1 and 2).. A plurality of contouring elements 33 are mounted on each bar 32. Each contouring element 33 is secured to a bar 32 by means of the bracket 34 including an enlarged set screw 35. It will thus be seen that the contouring elements 33 are both slidable and pivotable with respect to the bars 32, the set screws 35 securing the contouring elements in any selected position. Each contouring element 33 includes a padded end 36 threadably received thereon, thereby the lentgh of the contouring member may also be varied. The exact functioning of the contouring elements 33 in combination with the other structure described will be explained fully hereinafter.

Occasionally, a patient must be positioned with his feet up in the air higher than his head. Further, a patient must ocassionally be positioned with the top part of his body higher than his feet. At each end of the cart 20 (FIGS. l3), a generally U-shaped support element 40 is pivotally secured to the head 24 of the frame 21. The ends 41 of the legs of the U-shaped support element are bent to extend out of the plane of the element and again bent to extend toward each other. The free ends of the legs are snapped into sockets 42 at each side of the head 24 (FIG. 4). A knob 43 is provided on the support element 40, the purpose of which will be explained hereinafter. 7

Assembly and operation may be used as a stretcher in a conventional manner.

The litter 2 and the cart 20 are adapted to cooperate with each other in a totally unique fashion. In operation, the patient may be moved from station to station within the hospital, lying on the litter mounted on the cart. The unique characteristics of the net 4 have already been described hereinbefore. In loading a patient on the cart from a bed, the apparatus 1 is moved up adjacent the side of a bed, the litter 2 projecting over the edge of the bed about six inches. The patient is turned on his side against the opposite side of the bed and the litter 2 is rolled off the cart 20 onto the bed surface and up against the patient. This is .accomplished by the operators raising the side of the litter 2 away from the patient and disengaging the pin 3 from the notch 27 at each end of the litter. Having so raised the litter 2, the side walls of the inverted V-shaped members 6 ride on the rollers 26 adjacent the patient. In this manner, the litter 2 is slid from the cart 20. The patient is then turned and lowered onto the litter 2, the litter 2 being drawn back onto the cart 20 by the members 6 riding on the adjacent rollers 26. When the litter 2 is pulled a suflicient distance over the rollers 26 such that the pins 8 of the litter 2 drop into the notches 27, the transfer of the patient from the bed to the cart is complete. To place a person on a bed from the apparatus 1, the reverse of this procedure is followed. It should be noted that the movement of the litter 2 with respect to the cart 20 is completely automatic and entirely positive. The inverted V-shaped members 6 cannot become disengaged from the rails 25. The movement is easy as the members 6 ride on the rollers 26. There is no complex alignment or guiding, there are no latches, no cranks, no safety locks and the like. All functions are obvious and reliable, being simple for the operator to carry out. In addition, the litter 2 cannot become disengaged from the cart 2 because too much movement of the litter 2 is required to disengage the pins 8 from the notches 27. This is because the edges of the litter must be moved a considerable distance in order to move the pins which are located generally midway between its side edges.

It is important that the horizontal flanges of the cross members 6 seat over the rails. It is also important that the vertical flanges be so arranged that they prevent lengthwise movement of the litter with respect to the frame.

If the patient is of so serious a nature that he cannot be turned, the apparatus 1 still functions as an efficient transfer device. In this case, the net 4 is removed from the litter 2 and is worked under a patient using exactly the same technique used by the nursing staff to change sheets. The litter is then lowered over the patient and the net 4 is secured to the supporting poles 3 and the members 6 as described hereinbefore. The cart is then moved up to the bed and the loaded litter 2 is drawn on the cart 20 as described hereinbefore. Again, the reverse of this procedure unloads the patient from the apparatus 1 to a bed or table. Again, such a patient transfer is accomplished by two people with ease. The unique track system makes the operation efficient, requiring minimum strength. While a patient is on the apparatus 1, the contouring elements 33 assure exact positioning and maximum comfort. The set screws 35 are loosened and the elements 33 are moved along the bars 32. The elements are pivoted upwardly where additional support is required, for example between the legs of the patient in the knee area. The padded ends 36 are adjusted to the proper height and the set screws 35 are tightened to afiix the position of the contouring elements with respect to the net 4 of the litter 2. Similarly, contouring elements 33 may be used in the head and other body areas. When the elements are not in use, they are simply stored completely out of the way as shown in FIG. 1. t

The straps 11 on the net 4 serve as dual function. First of all, they are utilized to secure the net 4 to the end members 6 of the litter 2.- Secondly, because they extend and are secured to a surface of the net 4, tension on the net 4 is relaxed in the area between the straps. Consequently, a'natural head cradle is formed in the area between the straps. This further assures correct positioning of the patient and also assures maximum comfort at each end of the litter.

ment 40 under the litter 2 and into the member 6 thus being simplified. It will be noted that when an end of the litter 2 is raised, the support element 40 of necessity passes overcenter because of its configuration and its association with the cart 20. It cannot become disengaged as the weight of the patient on the litter tends to force the support element down in a direction it cannot go because of the respective rail 25. Thus, either the head or the feet of a patient on the apparatus 1 may be supported at an increased height, the support being positive and the operation of the structure being greatly simplified.

Turning specifically to FIG. 8, a cardiac assist frame 50 is provided for cooperation with the apparatus 1. In cardiac cases, it is often necessary that the patient be held in a semi-sitting position. The cardiac assist frame 50 includes a tubular frame 51 having a net 52 detachably secured thereto, in the manner of a pillowcase as shown in the embodiment disclosed. Again, the net 52 is similar to the net 4 described hereinbefore. Mounting brackets 53 are pivotally secured to the frame 51, the mounting brackets 53 shaped to the configuration of the supporting poles 3 described hereinbefore. Stops 54 are secured to the brackets 53 adjacent their pivotal attachment to the frame 51, limiting movement of the frame 51 toward the bracket 53. It will now be seen that the cardiac assist frame 50 is mounted on the apparatus 1 by simply positioning the brackets 53 on the supporting poles 3 of the litter 2. The weight of the patient against the net 52 causes the mounting brackets 53 to bind on and become immovable with respect to the litter 2. This is because the angle of the frame 51 with respect to the brackets 53 as provided by the stops 54 is less than 90 degrees. Thus, in addition to the fact that no mounting apparatus or locks of any kind are necessary, the unit 50 is of exceptionally simplified construction, being inexpensive and including a net which may be easily laundered or replaced.

It will now be seen that this invention has provided a vastly improved patient handling and transfer apparatus. With the apparatus disclosed, a patient may be efficiently safely and comfortably transferred from the apparatus to another surface such as a bed or table. Further, the patient may be transported about the hospital with improved comfort and safety, the comfort and safety being such that the patient may remain on the apparatus for a considerable length of time. While only certain embodiments have been shown and described in detail, it may be posible to practice the invention throughthe utilization of certain other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such other embodiments are to be considered a part of this invention unless the following claims specifically state otherwise.

I claim:

1. A patient handling and transfer apparatus, comprising: a litter having a pair of supporting members along its sides; a portable supporting frame; an elongated, rigid upstanding rail mounted adjacent each end of said frame and extending laterally thereof; friction reducing means associated with each of said rails; and a cross member afiixed to and extending between said supporting members of said litter adjacent each of their ends, said cross members being shaped to seat down over said rails and having a flange movable over said friction reducing means, said cross members being movable along and supported by said rails; locking means for securing said litter against lateral displacement when it is generally centered on said supporting frame.

2. A patient handling and transfer apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said locking means has a two part interlock; one part of said interlock being on said litter and the other on said frame; said parts interlocking when said litter is generally centered on said frame.

3. A patient handling and transfer apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein said one part is a projection secured to each of said cross members and said other part is a V-shaped notch, the sides of said notch urging said projection to center in the apex of said notch.

4. A patient handling and transfer apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein a support element is pivotally secured to said frame at one end thereof; said support element being movable from a generally depending, retracted position to an upwardly projecting extended position; the upper end of said support element, in extended position, engaging said cross member for holding one end of said litter in raised attitude.

5. A patient handling and transfer apparatus, comprising: a litter having a pair of supporting members along its sides; a portable supporting frame; an elongated, rigid upstanding rail mounted adjacent each end of said frame and extending laterally thereof; friction reducing means associated with each of said rails; and a cross member afiixed to and extending between saidsupporting members of said litter adjacent each of their ends, said cross members being shaped each to have one portion seating over said rails and another portion seating down beside said rails; said other portions being spaced to seat beside oppositely facing sides of the rails on each end of said frame; said cross member being movable along and supported by said rails; locking means for securing said litter against lateral displacement when it is generally centered on said supporting frame.

6. A patient handling and transfer apparatus, comprising: a litter having anct detachably secured at its sides between a pair of supporting poles; a cart; said cart having a frame; first means adjacent the ends of said frame for guiding and supporting said litter; second means adjacent the ends of said litter extending between said supporting poles for moving along and resting on said first means of said frame; and a pair of spaced straps secured to one surface of each end of said net, said straps extending past the ends of said net and detachably secured to said second means.

7. A patient handling and transfer apparatus, comprising: a litter; a cart, said cart having a frame; first means adjacent the ends of said frame for guiding and supporting said litter; second means adjacent the ends of said litter for moving along and resting on said first means of said frame; and a third means adjacent said ends of said frame for supporting said second means spaced from said first means at a height greater than said first means.

8. A patient handling and transfer apparatus as defined in claim 7, said third means comprising a generally U- shaped bar, the ends of said legs of said bar pivotally secured to said endsof said frame.

9. A patient handling and transfer apparatus, comprising: a litter having a pair ofsupporting poles along its sides; a portable cart having a frame; an elongated, upstanding rail mounted adjacent each end of said frame;

rollers associated with each of said rails; and a generally inverted V-shaped member extending between said supporting poles of said litter adjacent their ends whereby said members and said litter are movable along and supported by said rails.

10. A patient handling and transfer apparatus, comprising: a litter having a pair of supporting poles along its sides; a portable cart having a frame; an elongated, up standingrail mounted adjacent each end of said frame; a downwardly opening cross member extending between said supporting poles of said litter adjacent their ends, said cross members engaging over the top of and being movable along and supported by said rails; said tops of said ends of said rails being sloped downwardly to facilitate relative movement between said cross members and said rails; said cross members each having a downwardly extending flange, said flanges arranged to engage said rails and hold said litter against movement lengthwise of said cart.

11. A patient handling and transfer apparatus as defined in claim 10, the top of each of said rails notched generally midway between its ends and a pin extending between the side walls of each of said members generally midway between its ends.

12. A patient handling and transfer apparatus, comprising: a litter including a pair of supporting poles along its sides; the supporting surface of said litter comprisng a net; a portable cart havng a frame; an elongated, upstanding rail mounted adjacent each end of said frame; rollers associated with each of said rails; and a member open along its lower side extending between said supporting poles of said litter adjacent their ends, said members seating down over said rails, said litter being movable along and supported by said rails; a cardiac assist frame comprising a back rest having a pair of mounting brackets extending from the bottom thereof at an angle of less than 90 degrees and shaped to envelop the tops of said supporting poles, said mounting brackets removably mounted on said supporting poles by resting thereon.

13. A patient handling and transfer apparatus, comprising: a litter having a pair of supporting poles along its sides; a net detachably secured at its sides between said supporting poles; a wheeled cart having a frame; an elongated, upstanding rail mounted adjacent each end of said frame; rollers associated with each of said rails; a generally inverted V-shaped member extending between said supporting poles of said litter adjacent their ends whereby said members and said litter are movable along and supported by said rails; and a pair of spaced straps secured to one surface of each end of said net, said straps extending past said ends of said net and detachably secured to said members.

14. A patient handling and transfer apparatus, com prising: a litter having a pair of supporting poles along its sides; a wheeled cart having a frame; an elongated, upstanding rail mounted adjacent each end of said frame; rollers associated with each of said rails; a generally channel-shaped member open along its lower side extending between said supporting poles of said litter adjacent their ends whereby said members and said litter are movable along and supported by said rails; a pair of spaced, parallel bars secured to said frame below said litter, said bars running lengthwise of said litter; and a plurality of contouring elements pivotally and slidably secured to each of said bars for adjustable engagement with said litter at selected points therealong.

15. A patient handling and transfer apparatus, comprising: a litter having a pair of supporting poles along its sides; a wheeled cart having a frame; an elongated, upstanding rail mounted adjacent each end of said frame; rollers associated with each of said rails; a generally inverted V-shaped member extending between said supporting poles of said litter adjacent their ends whereby said members and said litter are movable along and supported by said rails; and a support element movably secured to each of said ends of said frame, movable to a height greater than that of said ends of said frame for supporting an end of said litter at a raised height.

16. A patient handling and transfer apparatus as defined in claim 15, said support element comprising a generally U-shaped bar, the legs of said bar bent to extend first from the plane of said member and then toward each other, the ends of said legs of said bar pivotally secured to said ends of said frame.

17. A patient handling and transfer apparatus, cornprising: a litter having a pair of supporting poles along its sides; a net detachably secured along its sides to said supporting poles; a wheeled 9 11 having a frame;.

elongated, upstanding rail mounted adjacent each end of said frame; rollers associated with each of said rails; a member open along its lower side extending between said supporting poles of said litter adjacent their ends, said members and said litter being movable along and supported by said rails; the tops of each of said rails notched generally midway between its ends; and a pin extending between the side walls of each of said members generally midway between its ends.

18. A patient handling and transfer apparatus, comprising: a litter having a pair of supporting poles along its sides; a net detachable secured along its sides to said supporting poles; a wheeled cart having a frame; an elongated, upstanding rail'mounted adjacent each end of said frame; rollers associated with each of said rails; a generally inverted V-shaped member extending between said supporting poles of said litter adjacent their ends, said members andsaid litter being movable along and supported by said rails; the tops of each of said rails notched generally midway between its ends; a pin extending between the side walls of each of said members gen erally midway between its ends; a pair of spaced, parallel bars secured to said frame below said litter said bars running lengthwise of said litter; and a plurality of contouring elements pivotally and slidably secured to each of said bars for adjustable engagement with said litter at selected points therealong.

19. A patient handling and transfer apparatus, comprising: a litter having a pair of supporting poles along its sides; a net detachably secured along its sides to said supporting poles; a wheeled cart having a frame, an elongated, upstanding rail mounted adjacent each end of said frame; rollers associated with each of said rails; a member open along its lower side extending between said supporting poles of said litter adjacent their ends, said members and said litter being movable along and supported by said rails; the tops of each of said rails notched generally midway between its ends; a pin extending between the side walls of each of said members generally midway between its ends; and a support element movably secured to each of said ends of said frame, movable to a height greater than that of said ends of said frame for supporting an end of said litter at a raised height.

20. A patient handling and transfer apparatus as defined in claim 19, having a cardiac assist frame comprising a back rest having a net extended thereacross and a pair of mounting brackets extending from the bottom thereof at an angle of less than degrees and shaped to envelop the tops of said supporting poles, said mounting brackets removably mounted on said supporting poles by resting thereon.

21. A patient handling and transfer apparatus, comprising: a litter having a pair of supporting poles along its sides; a net detachably secured along its sides to said supporting poles; a wheeled cart having a frame; an elongated, upstanding rail mounted adjacent each end of said frame; rollers associated with each of said rails; a member open along its lower side extending between said supporting poles of said litter adjacent their ends, said members and said litter being movable along and supported by said rails; the tops of each of said rails notched generally midway between its ends; a'pin extending between the side walls of each of said members generally midway between its ends; a pair of spaced, parallel bars secured to said frame below said litter, said bars running lengthwise of said litter; a plurality of contouring elements pivotally and slidably secured to each of said bars for adjustable engagement with said litter at selected points therealong; and a support element movably secured to each of said ends of said frame, movable to a height greater than that of said ends of said frame for supporting an end of said litter at a raised length.

22. A patient handling and transfer apparatus, comprising: a litter having a pair of supporting poles along its sides; a net detachably secured along its sides to said supporting poles; a wheeled cart having a frame; an elongated, upstanding rail mounted adjacent each end of said frame; rollers associated with each of said rails; a generally inverted V-shaped member extending between said supporting poles of said litter adjacent their ends, said members and said litter being movable along and supported by said rails; the tops of each of said rails notched generally midway between its ends; a pin extending between the side walls of each of said members generally midway between its ends; a pair of spaced, parallel bars secured to said frame below said litter, said bars running lengthwise of said litter; a plurality of contouring elements pivotally and slidably secured to each of said bars for adjustable engagement with said litter at selected points therealong; and a generally U-shaped support element, the legs of said elements bent to extend first from the plane of said element and then toward each other, the ends of said legs of said support elements pivotally secured to each of said ends of said frame, said support elements pivotal to a height greater than that of said ends of said frame for supporting one of said members of said litter at a raised height.

23. A patient handling and transfer apparatus, comprising: a litter having a pair of supporting poles along its sides; a net detachably secured along its sides to said supporting poles; a wheeled cart having a frame; an

elongated, upstanding rail mounted adjacent each end' of said frame; rollers associated with each of said rails; 21 generally inverted V-shaped member extending between said supporting poles of said litter adjacent their ends, said members and said litter being movable along and supported by said rails; the tops of each of said rails notched generally midway between its ends; a pin extending between the side walls of each of said members generally midway between its ends; a pair of spaced straps secured to one surface of each end of said net, said straps extending past said ends of said net and detachably secured to said members; a pair of spaced, parallel bars secured to said frame below said litter; said bars running lengthwise of said litter; a plurality of contouring elements pivotally and slidably secured to each of said bars for adjustable engagement with said litter at selected points therealong; and a generally U-shaped support element, the legs of said elements bent to extend first from the plane of said element and then toward each other, the ends of said legs of said support elements pivotally secured to each of said ends of said frame, said support elements pivotal to a height greater than that of said ends of said frame for supporting one of said members of said litter at a raised height.

24. A patient handling and transfer apparatus comprising the combination of: a litter having a patient receiving surface and a pair of side rails for carrying said surface with the patient thereon; a mobile dolly for receiv: ing the litter and transporting the patient from place to place; a cross member at each end of the litter tying said side rails together; a transverse member at each end of the dolly for receiving and supporting the cross members of the litter; means enabling movement of said cross members laterally with respect to said transverse members to move the litter =bodily laterally with respect to the dolly; and automatically engaging releasable locking means between the transverse members at one end of the apparatus for securing said litter against accidental displacement with respect to the dolly.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,697,121 1/1929 Kn ebel 5-92 X 2,565,761 8/ 1951 Dean. 2,678,085 5/1954 De Minno 571 X 3,099,020 7/ 1963 Garfield et a1 581 FOREIGN PATENTS 334,827 1/1959 Switzerland.

FRANK B. SHERRY, Primary Examiner.

R. D. KRAUS, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A PATIENT HANDLING AND TRANSFER APPARATUS, COMPRISING: A LITTER HAVING A PAIR OF SUPPORTING MEMBERS ALONG ITS SIDES; A PORTABLE SUPPORTING FRAME; AN ELONGATED, RIGID UPSTANDING RAIL MOUNTED ADJACENT EACH END OF SAID FRAME AND EXTENDING LATERALLY THEREOF; FRICTION REDUCING MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH OF SAID RAILS; AND A CROSS MEMBER AFFIXED TO AND EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID SUPPORTING MEMBERS OF SAID LITTER ADJACENT EACH OF THEIR ENDS, SAID CROSS MEMBERS BEING SHAPED TO SEAT DOWN OVER SAID RAILS AND HAVING A FLANGE MOVABLE OVER SAID FRICTION REDUCING MEANS, SAID CROSS MEMBERS BEING MOVABLE ALONG AND SUPPORTED BY SAID RAILS; LOCKING MEANS FOR SECURING SAID LITTER AGAINST LATERAL DISPLACEMENT WHEN IT IS GENERALLY CENTERED ON SAID SUPPORTING FRAME. 